Liberty Science Center Winter Fun #LSCWinterFun

kids museum

The Liberty Science Center in nearby Jersey City, NJ has a ton to do for kids and families. They recently opened the Largest Planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. This alone makes it worth a visit.

“It is Liberty Science Center’s greatest experience yet–the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the entire Western Hemisphere. The only three that are bigger are in Beijing, China, and Nagoya and Niihama, Japan.”

 

The kids had an amazing time watching the live show in the domed theater. The seats we were in were pretty high up, but you can choose seats closer to the ground should you want to. The speaker used a laser pointer to show different stars and constellations in the sky, and made the sun rise and set as you watched in just a few seconds. He was also able to zoom in and out of very specific locations- one of which being the science center itself. You and your kids can see the stars at different times of the year as the speaker zooms around and gives explanations of each constellation.

 

There are several shows you are able to see at the planetarium at this time, Sesame Street, Laser Wonderful, and Black Holes.

liberty science center

 

 

 

You can now see the International Sherlock Holmes show and Doc McStuffins Exhibits now at the Liberty Science Center. These temporary exhibits are a lot of fun, and part of what makes the LSC so much fun.
childrens science

At the Doc McStuffins exhibit, you and your kids can “put on a doctor’s lab coat, pick up a stethoscope, and perform check-ups on toys at LSC’s newest exhibit for young learners, Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit!

Based on Disney Junior’s award-winning TV series Doc McStuffins, the exhibit transports kids and families from Liberty Science Center to Doc’s backyard clinic and the McStuffins Toy Hospital. There, families are invited to help Doc perform check-ups in the ER, groom toy pets at the Pet Vet, feed baby toys in the nursery, and so much more.

Through imaginative play and hands-on activities, kids will learn important life lessons about health and wellness. There is so much you can do to take care of you!”

Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit is included in your general admission ticket. It will be here from Oct. 6, 2018 through Jan. 27, 2019.

liberty science exhibit

 

Before you leave, make sure you take time to visit the Sherlock Holmes exhibit and “solve a thrilling mystery in LSC’s newest premium exhibition! The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes is now open.

In this interactive adventure, you’ll be transported into Sherlock Holmes’ London—a world filled with innovation and experimentation in the field of forensic science. While you’re hot on the trail of your own case, you’ll learn how the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, a scientific expert ahead of his time, used seemingly trivial observations of clues others missed to solve mysterious crimes in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous books.

family museum

Follow the footprints, examine the spatter patterns, decipher Morse Code, find missing items, and use your powers of observation to crack the case in this can’t-miss exhibition!”

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes is available with the purchase of a Combination Pass or Premium Pass.

A Visit to Cooperstown NY

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and MuseumNatural Beauty and our National Pastime!

Baseball fans you have heard the name because Cooperstown NY is home to the The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, but there is so much more to this area for visitors to enjoy. Museums, breweries, farmers markets, and historical locations are all attractions just a few hours drive from NYC. These fun destinations are surrounded by nature that will inspire you to get out and get moving!

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Learn more about the game, the history, and the players all in one place with exciting exhibits, and displays that will capture baseball fans and newbies alike. Then let the action really come to life with the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum. Stand next you favorite players and see what they look like outside of their baseball cards. Maybe even take in a game at the birthplace of America’s pastime, Abner Doubleday Field.

The Fenimore Art Museum & The Farmers’ Museum

Fenimore Art Museum Court yard

If you are looking for more museum options Cooperstown is loaded with interesting stops to keep your visit filled with learning and culture. The Fenimore Art Museum is a collection of American fine and folk art, Native American art, and photography as well as visiting exhibitions. Considered one of the nation’s premier art institutions this is a must see for everyone from the views on the walls to the lovely grounds of the museum.

The Farmers' Museum

The Farmers’ Museum, New York State circa 1845. What does that look like for families in their day to day life? You can find out and even try your hand at some of these activities while visiting this living history museum. See demonstrations, learn about trade, enjoy the farmstead, the historic village, and the carousel!

Cooperstown Beverage Trail

Brewery Ommegang

Beer enthusiasts, wine sippers, and cider lovers will not want to miss these stops on your trip. Cooperstown Beverage Trail is New York State’s first official cuisine trail made up of eight stops, Bear Pond Winery, Cooperstown Brewing Company, Brewery Ommegang, the Fly Creek Cider Mill, Butternuts Beer & Ale, Rustic Ridge Winery, Cooperstown Distillery and Pail Shop Vineyards. Take tours, enjoy tastings, and take some goodies home from their shops. You can find out all the details and a map of locations here to get going on your tour.

Get Out in Nature!

Otsego Lake and Cooperstown NY

Hike, bike, or get out on the lake! There is camping, fishing, winter recreation, and so much more to show off the gorgeous countryside. Enjoy the delicious food that grows locally by visiting the farmer’s market or visiting the wide variety of eateries in Cooperstown.

For the indoor or outdoor portion of your vacation planning, Cooperstown has everything to appeal to all interests. Be sure to visit their website Thisiscooperstown.com to get tips for your time in the area. See more on social media and get inspiration for a trip to Cooperstown. FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube

Liberty Science Center and Thomas & Friends Explore The Rails #LSCThomas&Friends

The Liberty Science Center has so much to keep kids and families active and learning, you can easily spend the whole day there and not see half of what there is inside (and don’t forget outside, weather permitting).  Right now, if you take the kids to the museum, you can visit the Island of Sodor and see your favorite tank engine, Thomas.

 

“Visit the Island of Sodor at Liberty Science Center!

In Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails, kids can learn, play, and solve problems with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends while immersing themselves in locations from the beloved TV series.

The exhibition combines play with important STEM concepts. Young learners can practice counting objects, comparing sizes, and learning colors. Older kids can practice their math skills, learn basic engineering concepts, discover science ideas through play, and see how technology works to keep engines running.”

Of course, the rest of the museum is still open as well. Climb a rock wall, crawl through the Touch Tunnel, see a movie in the IMAX theater, and much more. There is so much to see and do and touch and learn. The live animals are always a hit, and the fish are a must visit on every visit. You can also sign the kids up to do fun experiments that give them hands on learning experiences to help bring science fun to life.

If you’d like to win a family 4 pack of tickets, please enter to win using the RC form below. Ends Nov 12, 2017. Good luck!

 

Arkansas – Art and History Meet

Arkansas is a state that many may not give much thought about when planning their vacations. Often considered a “fly over state”, I have recently discovered it has much to offer a traveler in search of adventure, culture, or a natural refuge. Home to 52 state parks and some of the most modern museums one can want to explore, as well as hot springs, musical centers, and of course well known as one of the major hotbeds of the civil rights movement, Arkansas is both naturally beautiful and contains some must-see, man-made marvels.

"Yield", stainless steel, metal, and pipework tree at entrance of  Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by artist Roxy Paine (2011), Bentonville, AR

“Yield”, stainless steel, metal, and pipework tree at entrance of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by artist Roxy Paine (2011), Bentonville, AR

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art celebrates both art and nature a setting that explores the power of art with the beauty of surrounding natural landscape. The Museum, founded in 2005 by Alice Walton, takes its name from nearby Crystal Spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building design by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie.

Crystal Bridges is home to a permanent collection that features American masterworks dating from the Colonial to contemporary times. It specializes in art from the region, but also displays national and international exhibits, and is always on view to the public free of charge (admission is sponsored by WalMart for all but occasional temporary exhibitions).

The museum is both surrounded by and incorporated with 120 acres of forests and gardens, using them as part of the museum itself, and as a place to explore outdoor art and pieces. Six pedestrian trails wind through the campus, connecting the museum to the neighborhood at large and building a community space and encouraging connections to the arts and nature. The building itself is a work of art, and the educational programs offered by Crystal Bridges make art available, relatable, and tangible for patrons of all ages.

The Old State House Museum is a great way for visitors to experience Arkansas history. One can take a guided tour, use a self-guided tour map or cell phone tour guide at your own pace and choosing only what interests you, or schedule a group tour. No reservations are needed for self-guided tours or hourly guided tours (which are 50 minutes long). Reservations are needed for group tours of 10 or more.

The Old State House in Little Rock is home to many permanent exhibits which incorporate the history of the building, the collections, and significant areas of Arkansas history (art, time periods, books, clothing, influential people, and more). Some of these include “The Legacy of Arkansas Women”, Political History, First Families and Governors of Arkansas, Period Rooms, Legislative Chambers, and Dresses of the First Ladies.

The Old State House Museum was given a fresh coat of paint, had it’s window sills redone, and the [Read more…]

The 10 Most Inspirational Art Galleries in the World

Great art is an inspiration to creative thinkers of all types. Masterful paintings and sculptures fill viewers with a sense of wonder and inspire them to dream of things that many people consider to be impossible. The following ten art museums and galleries, curated with the help of Marked By Teachers contain some of the greatest and most inspirational works of art that the world has ever seen.

The Louvre

Located in Paris, the Louvre is the world’s most popular art museum. The museum’s many awe-inspiring galleries display over 35,000 works of art by the greatest masters of all time. Collections include Western European art from the medieval period to the mid 19th century, Islamic art and art and antiquities from ancient civilizations. The Louvre is open every day except Tuesday, and admission to the permanent collection costs €11 ($14.30) for adults. Admission to special exhibits costs €12, and a combined ticket costs €15.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The scale of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is massive, and any art lover will find multiple sources of inspiration in the museum’s many galleries. The extensive collection includes over 2 million works of American, European, African, Asian, Oceanic, Byzantine [Read more…]